Who could take over as RCB’s top wicket-takers after Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj’s exits?

Jonhenry Wilson 17 Mar 2025

Harshal Patel is among the top wicket-takers for RCB in IPL history.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have never quite gone all the way in the IPL. It’s a case of three times the bridesmaid, never the bride.

It has often been suggested that they invest too heavily in their batting line-up and not enough in their bowlers.

It’s hard to know if this is true, but while the list of leading RCB batsmen reads like a list of the greatest international white-ball players, the list of top bowlers has an almost exclusive Indian flavour.

Let’s look at the list of bowlers who have gone past 50 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

6. Sreenath Aravind – 51 wickets from 44 IPL matches for RCB at an average of 25.25

A left-arm medium pacer, Sreenath Aravind played a crucial role for RCB in the limited opportunities he got. Known for his ability to swing the ball and deliver in pressure situations, Aravind made a mark with his economical bowling and timely breakthroughs.

His best season came in 2011 when he picked up 21 wickets, helping RCB reach the final. Though he was not a household name, his contributions were undoubtedly hugely valuable.

5. Anil Kumble – 53 wickets from 51 IPL matches for RCB at an average of 24.58

One of India‘s greatest spinners, Anil Kumble brought his vast experience to RCB in the twilight of his career. His most memorable moment came in the 2009 season when he led RCB to the final, picking up 21 wickets and finishing as the season’s second-highest wicket-taker.

Kumble’s leadership and tactical acumen were just as important as his on-field performances, making him one of the most respected figures in the franchise’s history.

Also read: Listing every Indian Premier League century since 2017 – record number of tons in 2024

4. Vinay Kumar – 80 wickets from 70 IPL matches for RCB at an average of 24.77

Vinay Kumar was RCB’s go-to bowler in the early seasons of the IPL. A reliable medium pacer with the ability to bowl in both powerplays and death overs, he was a consistent wicket-taker. His best season came in 2013 when he claimed 23 wickets, finishing as one of the top wicket-takers of the tournament.

While he may not have had express pace, his accuracy and ability to bowl variations made him a key component of the team.

3. Mohammed Siraj – 83 wickets from 87 IPL matches for RCB at an average of 31.44

Mohammed Siraj has been a vital cog in RCB’s pace attack, especially in recent seasons. Known for his ability to generate swing and bowl fiery spells with the new ball, Siraj has had some outstanding performances, including a stunning 3 for 8 against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020.

His ability to deliver under pressure has seen him become a crucial part of the Indian national team as well. While his economy rate has been on the higher side, his knack for picking up key wickets kept him in the mix. No longer with RCB, Siraj will line up for Gujarat Titans in 2025.

2. Harshal Patel – 99 wickets from 80 IPL matches for RCB at an average of 23.17

Harshal Patel has been one of the most impactful bowlers for RCB in recent years. His breakthrough season came in 2021 when he took 32 wickets, equalling the record for the most wickets in a single IPL season. His ability to deceive batters with slower deliveries and variations has made him a deadly option in the death overs.

Though he has played for other franchises, his most successful years have been with RCB, where he has regularly delivered match-winning performances. He will be playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal – 139 wickets from 113 IPL matches for RCB at an average of 22.03

The leading wicket-taker in RCB’s history, Yuzvendra Chahal was the backbone of their bowling attack for several seasons. His ability to extract turn even on flat surfaces and deceive batsmen with flight and guile made him a formidable force.

Chahal was instrumental in multiple seasons, often breaking crucial partnerships and stemming the flow of runs. His consistency and wicket-taking prowess ensured that he remained RCB’s most reliable spinner before his departure to Rajasthan Royals – in 2025 he now lines up for the Punjab Kings.